The Golden Triangle Boom: Why Leesburg, Ocala, and The Villages are the Talk of 2026
If you’ve driven down Highway 27 or I-75 lately, you know the landscape of Central Florida is changing at a breakneck pace. As of January 2026, the corridor spanning Leesburg, Ocala, and The Villages has officially become one of the most watched real estate and lifestyle hubs in the United States.
From leadership shifts to the essential infrastructure keeping our "Lakefront City" running, here is the deep dive into what’s trending right now.
Lets check out what’s going on below
Leesburg’s New Vision: Mayor Allyson Berry and the 2026 Shift
The year started with a historic moment for the city. Allyson Berry, a Leesburg native with deep roots in District 1, was officially sworn in as Mayor for 2026. Taking the gavel from outgoing Mayor Alan Reisman, Berry is the first African American woman to serve in this role—a milestone that has brought a fresh energy to City Hall.
Her administration is already focusing on a "vision-first" approach to manage the 40,000+ residential units currently approved in the city's planning map. Alongside her, a new Fire Chief has taken the helm, ensuring that public safety and emergency response keep pace with the thousands of new families moving into developments like Whispering Hills and Oakstone Farms.
The Interconnected Growth: The Villages & Ocala Spillovers
The growth in Leesburg isn't happening in a vacuum. It is being fueled by two massive regional powerhouses:
The Villages Expansion: The "Villages Effect" is stronger than ever. As the nation’s top-selling master-planned community moves further into Lake and Sumter counties, Leesburg has become a primary submarket. With the new Eastport Town Square generating major buzz, the demand for local services, medical offices, and workforce housing in Leesburg is skyrocketing.
The Ocala Industrial Surge: To our north, Ocala has solidified its position as Florida’s emerging logistics and equestrian hub. The ripple effect from Ocala’s industrial boom near I-75 is bringing more working professionals to the region, many of whom are looking for the "balanced" lifestyle that Leesburg’s lakefront properties offer.
The Pure Solution: Natural Water Solutions by Pureway
With thousands of new homes hitting the market, a major trending topic for residents across Ocala and The Villages is water quality. Central Florida is famous for its hard water, high chlorine levels, and that distinct sulfur "rotten egg" odor—challenges that can wreak havoc on new appliances, skin, and hair.
This has put a spotlight on Natural Water Solutions by Pureway, based right in Ocala. Serving the entire Leesburg, Ocala, and The Villages area, they have become the go-to experts for homeowners looking to protect their health and their homes.
Why Pureway is the Trending Choice in 2026:
Medical-Grade Filtration: Utilizing their patented MicronGuard™ technology, Pureway systems are designed to remove 99.99% of contaminants, including PFAS (forever chemicals), bacteria, and heavy metals.
Eco-Friendly & Maintenance-Free: Unlike traditional softeners, these systems require no salt, no electricity, and produce zero wastewater.
The Villages Specialists: They specialize in treating the unique municipal water issues found in The Villages, providing "bottled-quality" water from every single tap in the house.
What’s Next on the 2026 Calendar?
As we look toward the spring, the local buzz is shifting to our world-class events:
FWC Open House (Jan 28): Held at the Venetian Center from 3–7 p.m., this is the place to talk about the health and habitat restoration of the Harris Chain of Lakes.
Blues-BQ (Feb 21): A staple for Ocala and Leesburg residents who want the best ribs and rhythm in the state.
Leesburg Bikefest (April 24-26): Expecting record crowds this year as "The World's Largest 3-Day Motorcycle and Music Event" returns with an incredible musical lineup.
The Bottom Line
Leesburg is no longer just a retirement destination; it is a thriving, multi-generational city at the heart of Florida’s most active growth corridor. Between the leadership of Mayor Berry, the expansion of The Villages, and the necessity of high-quality home services like those from Natural Water Solutions by Pureway, we are seeing a region that is modernizing while fighting to keep its natural beauty intact.